Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I can use my Medicare insurance for my sessions?

Medicare requires all sessions for psychotherapy or counseling to have “Medical Necessity” which also requires a healthcare mental health diagnosis and a treatment plan for services rendered.

In addition, psychotherapy can only be performed in the state that the therapist is licensed. So, if the client moves away, or has a home in another state, you will need to find someone new to follow up services. Since Medicare does not allow tele-mental health at this time, any phone or video services will not be covered.

What is the difference between Coaching and Mental Health Counseling or Psychotherapy?

Part of the distinction is whether you are working on issues related to disease, diagnosis, and problems in the past that are interfering with your present problem. Psychotherapy works more on internal struggles, emotions to help change or make differences in your life

In psychotherapy, you are utilizing the expertise of the mental health professional to work on issues in the present or past that are interfering with your daily living. In coaching, the relationship is more working on goals for the future, and not on the internal emotions that might get in the way.

In addition, the relationship with the therapist and coach is different. As a clinical psychologist, I have ethical codes that dictate the acceptable things I can and cannot do since this is a relationship of potential power and authority. In coaching, there are less rules and more of a co-creator equal role. If therapy issues do come up in coaching, then a referral to another therapist is advised. Please feel free to discuss which form of coaching or counseling is appropriate for you. Coaching is NOT covered by insurance.

Some of the tools that therapists and coaches use are the same.

Do you use video or telephone for Counseling or Coaching?

Medicare continues to make tele-mental health unacceptable in most instances despite the need of many of my clients. Clients would need to travel (which defeats the purpose) to a Special Clinic in a Rural area to be eligible. It is also only available in Colorado where I am licensed.

Tele-mental Health is available for some insurance plans in Colorado. I am out of network for these plans.

Coaching is available nationally and internationally via video or phone using specific HIPPA compliant platforms.

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About Coaching Aging Adults

With over 35 years of experience in long-term care, consultation for senior services, and mental health care, Coaching Aging Adults is an older-adult focused, integrative practice that is dedicated to helping Seniors, Baby Boomers, Elders, Older Adults, and the Sandwich Generation and their families navigate the waters of Aging Gracefully with Life Purpose and Passion.